Get ready for excitement! Eagles looking at OT in the draft

by JasonB on Feb 1, 2008 3:36 PM EST in Philadelphia Eagles News

Vandy’s Chris Williams

This is sure to fire up a fan base looking for an exciting offseason...

Vanderbilt tackle Williams has Eagles' eye

According to some spies in Mobile, Ala., last week for the Senior Bowl, the Eagles brass were spending most of their time watching defensive backs, both safeties and cornerbacks.

However, according to those same spies Andy Reid and Co.'s favorite player in the game was Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams.

Williams could go anywhere from mid first round to probably mid second round and most scouts have him as the 3rd or 4th best tackle in the draft. While he's certainly far from a sexy pick and not one that is going to satisfy the calls for playmakers... he certainly doesn't look like a bad one. Bottom line is that if you have a chance to draft a guy you think can anchor your line at OT for the next 8 or 9 years you do it. Building from the lines out has always been the Eagles philosophy and we should prepare ourselves come draft day if/when the Eagles spend at least one of their first two picks on an offensive or defensive lineman.

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OLINE Succession?

I thought the Eagles were happy with Justice and Herramans at the tackle spots?

I cant cry about it but I really like Mario Manningham. Well see.

by topcat6 on Feb 1, 2008 10:02 PM EST reply actions

The always very flashy...

and very popular first round OT pick.

by Inside the Iggles on Feb 2, 2008 3:20 AM EST reply actions

Smart Pick

I know its not sexy and its not going to excite the Eagles fans who always want a receiver, but it seems like a smart pick. You saw in the first Giants game this year how valuable a good tackle is. McNabb and co. couldn't do anything without William "don't call me Tra" Thomas out of the game. Andy is all about having guys in place for the future when he still has capable players at that position (ala Kolb, Lito and Sheldon).

If he's the best player available, I'm fine with it. Just don't get tunnel vision and go out LOOKING for a tackle.

Poor Sports www.poorsportsblog.blogspot.com

by PoorSportsBlog on Feb 2, 2008 11:39 AM EST reply actions

Depends on what else happens...

If they are able to bring in some FA playmakers or make a trade then I don't have a problem with it. If we end up making few other adjustments and we go get an O-lineman who doesn't even have a shot at seeing the field for at least his first season in the league then I will be unhappy.

People are talking about playmakers, all I want is someone who is in a position to make an IMPACT out of the draft.

by fuquamanuel on Feb 2, 2008 11:57 AM EST reply actions

Fuq

What rookies does any reid play? He doesnt. We enver see how our draft picks pan out til 2-3 years down the line. If we got a rookie WR the chances of that WR being productive is slim to nothing... I personally think we'll be able to get a WR if we wanted to. We traded for stallworth, stallworth will be back on the market next year most likely. Javon Walker should be available, etc... eagles fans always panic every year that theres no rumors or anything that the eagles are going to try and build a bit through FA but we usually do something every year.

by JoeD on Feb 2, 2008 4:00 PM EST reply actions